Lot 922: Alexander Cartwright

Lot 922: Referred to as the 'Father of Baseball,' Cartwright (1820–1892) and his fellow New York Knickerbocker Ball Club members devised the modern rules of the game. Rare manuscript DS, signed "Alxr. J. Cartwright," three pages on two lightly-lined sheets, 8 x 12.5, September 4, 1883. Lease for land in Honolulu, signed as attorney for Hawaiian Queen Emma, in part: "This Indenture made this 4 day of September 1883 between Emma Kaleleonalani of Honolulu Island of Oahu of the first part and Tuck Yee, Pat Ngu and Ing Chun of the same place of the second part Witnesseth That the said party of the first part doth hereby demise and lease unto the said parties of the second part and their executors, administrators and assigns that certain piece or parcel of land situate at…Honolulu…containing an area of 1 44/100 Acres…for and during the full end and term of Five years from the 3rd day of September 1883, the said parties of the second part yielding and paying rent therefor the sum of One hundred and fifty Dollars ($150) for each and every year during the continuance of this lease and after the same rate for any part of a year." Signed at the conclusion, "Emma Kaleleonalani," and "by Her Atty in fact, Alxr J. Cartwright," and also signed in Chinese characters "Tuck Yee," "Pat Ngu," and "Ing Chun." In very good condition, with some scattered small pinholes, a few repaired fold separations, and some scattered light toning and staining, heaviest to docket page, and not affecting legibility.Four years after helping formulate the modern rules of baseball—nine players, nine innings, 90 feet between bases, etc.—Alexander Joy Cartwright left New York to join the California gold rush in '49, then quickly made his way to Honolulu, where he became one of the island's most prominent and well-respected businessmen and lawyers. After gaining the attention of the royal family, he was appointed Consul to Peru and became Queen Emma Kaleleonalani's personal financial advisor, while his firm, Cartwright and Company, Ltd., handled the rest of the family's estate. Two years after signing this document with the Queen, he served as the executor of her Last Will and Testament. Also signed by Cecil Brown, a signer of the Hawaiian Constitution and a Hawaiian Territorial Senator, this is an interesting and incredibly scarce document.
RR Auction's Fine Autographs and Artifacts Auction 462
Wednesday, 14th October 2015
Estimate: $2000-3000